A new paper published in BMC Health Services Research has shed light on the research capacity and culture within the Allied Health workforce of the Northern NSW Local Health District. The study was co-authored by UCRH researcher Professor Chris Williams alongside local collaborator Alexandre Stephens from the Northern NSW LHD, together with a broader research team.
The research surveyed 147 Allied Health professionals from 15 disciplines to understand current research strengths, challenges and opportunities across the district. Overall, staff reported low to moderate levels of research skills and success at the organisation, team and individual levels. Most participants were not currently involved in research, despite recognising its importance for improving clinical practice and health service delivery.
Respondents identified several motivators that would support greater research involvement, including encouragement from managers, access to mentoring, and research opportunities tied to real-world problems in need of change. However, they also highlighted significant barriers such as limited time, competing clinical priorities, staff shortages and a lack of backfill.
The study also explored whether Allied Health staff had participated in research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Few participants had done so, reinforcing the need for culturally safe, responsive and well supported research practices. The authors emphasised the importance of creating research pathways, mentoring opportunities and resources that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clinicians to lead and contribute to research that shapes policy and improves health outcomes.
The findings make clear that building a strong research culture requires a whole-of-system approach. This includes investment in skills development, writing and methodology training, protected time for research, and structures that support culturally safe and inclusive research practices.
This work adds to ongoing efforts across the region to grow a confident, capable and connected rural health research community.
